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[Page 1]
“Custom House
Boston Aug 15th/61
Capt. S. R. Latta
Dear Brother
Your letter of the 17th July was received this evening, and its contents caused both grief and surprise grief at the news of father’s severe illness, and surprise, that, after repeated assurances that I intended to make the South my home, and cast in my lot with you; you are still in doubt as to my intention If I did not in my last letters say that I was coming home, it was because I had repeated it so often that I did not think it necessary I dont know what you think”
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“of a woman’s ability to travel when in the family way. but I know that Mary was not able to travel after the last of April a distance of 1200 or 1500 miles with safety. Had you not urged me to retain my place here as long as possible and continued to do so until it was too late to leave I would have left the 1st of April.
Mary was not confined until the 28th of July and she is not able to start yet. We are preparing and Providence permitting we will start the 3rd of Sept. and as we cannot travel at night, we will be home about the middle of the month Our child is a daughter, healthy and growing finely, Everybody”
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says “its a real Latta,” and as I am the only one they have ever seen in these quarters of course it must like its Papa.
A little more than two weeks ago I learned that letters were sent by express to Tenn. And I immediately wrote and forwarded it. I suppose it has been received by this time as it would go by mail from Nashville.
I cannot ship my goods now as they will be opened and examined on the way and probably damaged.
The peace party of the North has already begun to speak out but cannot do much. The offices of the N. W. Democrat and a paper in Banger Me. Have”
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“both lately been gutted and their contents burned and scattered, and the editors imprisoned and branded as traitors on account of favoring the South.
This party cannot have much influence unless the Southern army can have two or three more Bull Run victories.
Mary joins me in love to you all & Eleanor sends greetings.
Your Brother
J. G. Latta”

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